County Mayor Says "We Need To Move On"
posted April 13, 2006
County Mayor Claude Ramsey and County Commissioner Greg Beck sparred Thursday over the controversial issue of vehicle emissions testing.
Commissioner Beck said he had been advised that installation of inspection stations here was underway even before the commission voted to approve the testing.
County Mayor Ramsey strongly denied the assertion, saying, "I don't like the casting of aspersions you are making."
He said the unpopular testing program "was not something we were happy about, but I know of no other choice we had."
He said the issue "has been talked about and talked about and we need to move on."
Commissioner Beck apologized, saying, "I misspoke." Mr. Ramsey said, "Yes, you did."
Commissioner Beck has lambasted the program, saying it is causing many poor citizens to have to park their cars because they cannot afford to get them fixed to meet the emission standards.
Commission Chairman Larry Henry said officials connected with the program are due to come before the commission in early June to answer questions about it.
He said, "We can't terminate the program. We won't terminate it. But we need to maintain some balance."
He assigned the issue to the legal and legislative committee headed by Commissioner Lou Miller.
Bob Colby, director of the Air Pollution Control Bureau, said this week that the contract with the private firm that operates the program runs through 2011.
He said strict vehicle emissions standards on new vehicles should greatly cut down on pollutants.
Barry Bennett, executive director of the Planning Commission, said the freeways going through Chattanooga carry some of the highest numbers of trucks in the nation. He said that number is going to be rising sharply in coming years.
Commissioner Miller stated, “This is not a political issue, it is an economic and environmental issue. There are certain exemptions in the law requiring testing; however, there is no consideration for people on fixed incomes, disabled people and senior citizens. For those reasons, I am grateful to Chairman Henry for this assignment.
"I intend to do all within my power to address and to resolve these issues. I have two very dedicated and conscientious commissioners on the committee. Commissioner Warren Mackey and Commissioner Curtis Adams who are on the committee have expressed their concern and willingness to dedicate a lot of time and energy to address citizen complains and environmental concerns.”
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